Power:
I have no complaints when it comes to power. Most of my time with the Pinnacle
Producer XT is spent throwing small finesse baits—not exactly the harshest test—
however, I never experience fatigue or discomfort when reeling in a bulkier bait
or landing a solid fish.

Bail
Operation:
Operating the Pinnacle's bail is an easy task. There is no extra-assuring
click when opening the bail, but it opens solidly and never once tripped
closed during a cast. Although I always close spinning reel bails by hand after
a cast is made, a modest turn of the handle will quickly thunk the bail closed.

Somewhat funky looking, the handle knob is actually quite comfy.

Line
Twist:
Line twist with this reel never posed a problem for me. Pinnacle uses a
titanium-coated ResistTwist line roller that features a special channel to help
keep the line from twisting. It seems to work as the lines I used always laid
down nice and flat with no obvious signs of twist.

An
up-close look at the line roller assembly.

Features:
At this price point, Pinnacle offers consumers a nice list of features that some
other more expensive reels may lack. The full list (some already mentioned)
includes an RCF2 body, machined spool, ResistTwist roller, QuickFold handle,
FatWire bail, waterproof carbon drag system, and FinGrip textured knob.
Internally, you'll find a bearing-supported line roller and spool, and two
bearings within the handle knob. There is no spare spool or reel cover included.

Features Ratings for Pinnacle Producer XT PRF 30

Spool Bearing (1–2)

Line Roller Bearing (1–2)

Knob Bearings (1–3)

Water Resistant Drag

(1–2)

Spare Spool

(1–2)

Reel Cover

(1–2)

Total

Possible

Rating (= Tot/Pos *10)

2

2

3

2

1

1

11

13

8.46

Design
and Ergonomics:
At 9.9 ounces in weight, the Producer XT is a tad on the porky side. Aside from
the reel's weight on the scale, the form factor as a whole is executed nicely.
The body is relatively compact and features a narrow waistline. It's plenty
comfortable to hold and use for a day of fishing. How about that funky handle
knob? Comprised of rubber, the FinGrip handle sports soft, raised ridges for
added comfort. It looks like one of those add-on knob grips that were somewhat
trendy several years ago, but it actually does feel really good and provides a
sure finger hold—even when wet.

To
fully remove the handle, a screw must be undone from the opposite side.

Design & Ergonomics Ratings for Pinnacle Producer XT PRF 30

Handle Length (1–5)

Knobs (1–5)

Feathering(1–5)

Overall Weight (1–5)

Ease of Breakdown(1–5)

Total

Possible

Rating (= Tot/Pos * 10)

3

4

5

3

3

18

25

7.2

The Producer XT never let me down during its months of testing and handled
everything I threw at it without any hiccups. The Pinnacle's resistance to
scratching is also worth mentioning. Of course the body can still become dinged
up if treated clumsily, but even when purposely subjected to rubbing on a hard,
sharp object it takes a fair amount of effort just to cause a noticeable mark.

Application:
Carrying a regular MSRP of $79.99,
the Pinnacle Producer XT PRF 30 is quite an attractive deal. There is a solid
value here both in terms of performance and physical design if you are willing
to try a brand that's still a bit outside the norm for most anglers.

A
Lake Lanier spot was coaxed while fishing a wacky-rigged Senko.

Spinning reels of this size are very, very, very versatile. Check this reel out
if you fish for bass, large trout, redfish, snook, schoolie stripers,
steelhead—you get the point! Longer-running fish may require you to spool up
with braid to increase capacity, but the main idea to come away with here is
that there are a lot of opportunities out there to use this reel.

Application Ratings for Pinnacle Producer XT PRF 30

Horizontal (1–5)

Vertical(1–5)

Finesse(1–5)

Big Bait(1–5)

Topwater(1–5)

Total

Possible

Rating (= Tot/Pos * 10)

5

5

5

1

3

19

25

7.6

Ratings:
(We've
re-calibrated our
ratings standard for
2008 and have
included a key at
the bottom of the
following matrix as
a guide):

Pinnacle
Producer
XT
PRF
Spinning
Reel
Ratings
(?/10)

Construction/Quality

Not
perfect,
but very
pleasing
quality
and
great
looking

7.5

Performance

A great
performer
and a
praise-worthy
drag

8

Price

The MSRP
of
$79.99
makes
this an
excellent
value

9

Features

Everything
you need
but no
bonus
spare
spool

8.46

Design
(Ergonomics)

A little
on the
heavy
side and
kind of
a pain
to
remove
the
sideplate

7.2

Application

You
can't go
wrong
with
this one
for
freshwater
or light
saltwater
applications

This
post-spawner ate a
small tube on light
line and really put
the smooth drag
system to use.

Conclusion:
Shimano's Sahara and
Sedona, Daiwa's
Exceler, and Abu
Garcia's Orra S are
a few of the major
players rubbing
shoulders with the
Producer XT PRF30.
While other brands
have a long-standing
and loyal fan base,
anyone willing to
venture into the
uncharted waters of
a somewhat
less-than-mainstream
brand needs to take
a good look at this
offering. I came
away rather
impressed, and I
think you will be
too. Well done,
Pinnacle!